Terri Irwin was the heart of “Dedication Night” on Dancing with the Stars, as 21-year-old wildlife conservationist, photographer, and zookeeper Robert Irwin honored his mom with a contemporary routine set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Partnered with Witney Carson, Robert brought Terri onto the floor in the closing moments, then embraced his sister Bindi as the ballroom — judges included — wiped away tears.
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What happened on October 14, 2025 (Dedication Night)
Before dancing, Robert told Witney why he chose his mother: “I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her.” He added that at every milestone, “when I just wish that my dad was there, she was there, and that was enough.” During rehearsals, Terri admitted, “I’m here to cry,” and reflected, “After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again, for quite a while.” She said her children helped her get up “every morning,” calling herself “a proud mama.”
After the performance, the judges responded in kind. Bruno Tonioli told Robert, “[Your father is] looking at you, kid, and he’s smiling,” calling the number “the true expression of everlasting love.” Carrie Ann Inaba added, “If I could have had kids, I would like him to be like Robert.” Derek Hough — who partnered with Bindi Irwin in her championship season — said, “I’m so proud of you,” praising the Irwin family. Guest judge Kym Johnson also applauded the family bond and called Terri “an incredible woman.”
Robert and Witney earned 35/40 for the routine (Carrie Ann 8, Derek 9, Kym 9, Bruno 9). In a twist for “Dedication Night,” no one was eliminated on October 14, 2025. Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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Why Terri Irwin — and Steve Irwin — were at the center of the tribute
Robert, 21, chose to dedicate the dance to Terri Irwin, 61, and spoke about how she carried the family after the death of his father, Steve Irwin. Steve died at age 44 in 2006 after being pierced by a stingray barb while filming in Australia. In an interview following the performance, Robert said of Terri: “I never felt as though I ever missed out on anything in life.” He called her “such a kind and vulnerable and strong and steadfast human being,” and said she “teaches me every day what it is to put one foot in front of the other.”
Earlier in the week, Robert shared on October 12 that it had been a “tough week,” and that he was “thinking a lot about my dad” and about “the way my mom has helped me navigate that.” On show night, he explained the theme simply: “It’s a dance for my mum. It’s a dance for all the mums.”
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Cast, judges & family roll call (names, ages, roles)
- Terri Irwin, 61 — the dedication honoree; joins the dance in its final moments.
- Robert Irwin, 21 — wildlife conservationist, photographer, and zookeeper; Season 34 contestant.
- Witney Carson — Robert’s pro partner.
- Bindi Irwin, 27 — Robert’s sister; embraces him after the routine.
- Steve Irwin, 44 at death in 2006 — remembered during the tribute.
- Derek Hough — judge; previously partnered Bindi to a mirrorball win.
- Carrie Ann Inaba — judge.
- Bruno Tonioli — judge.
- Kym Johnson — guest judge.
- Alfonso Ribeiro — appears in on-air images from “Dedication Night.”
Song, date, network, and how to watch
- Song: “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins.
- Episode date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (Dedication Night).
- Time/channel: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Why this ‘DWTS’ moment mattered
The tribute brought three generations of the Irwin story into one image — Terri on the floor, Bindi on the sidelines, and Robert at center — while judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Kym Johnson framed the response. The choice of Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” connected the family theme to a familiar pop ballad. By dedicating the routine to his mother rather than his late father, Robert shifted the spotlight to caregiving and resilience. The 35/40 reflects strong technical growth, but the lasting takeaway was emotional clarity — a son saying thank you to the person who “made sure that [he] never felt [he] missed out.”
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